Technology law blog by a Canadian information technology and intellectual property law lawyer and trade-mark agent dealing with issues including software, copyright, privacy, the Internet, electronic commerce, computers

The Act requires those providing an “Internet Service” to report to either the police, or to Cybertip.ca depending on the circumstances, any child pornography they become aware of on the net, or if anyone is using their service to commit child pornography offences under the Criminal Code.

They don’t have to look for it, but if they become aware of it, and don’t report it, it is an offense subject to significant fines.

It is noteworthy that the law applies to more than just what we would consider ISP’s. It applies to anyone “providing Internet access, Internet content hosting or electronic mail” to the public.

So that would include anyone providing open wi-fi to the public, such as a coffee shop or municipality. If you provide any kind of public access to the internet, you need to understand your obligations under this law.